UPDATE: Proposed Invasives Species Bill
As invasive species encroach further into native species’ lands and waterways, the Conservation Commission is following the progress of a bill introduced into last year’s Massachusetts legislative session. Known as H.999/S.563 “An Act Responding to the Threat of Invasive Species”, this legislation would bolster statewide efforts to prevent and eradicate invasive species. The bill is sponsored by Senator Patricia Jehlen and coordinated with Massachusetts Rivers Alliance.
Invasive species infestations can have serious impacts on local economies, recreational opportunities, and ecological stability. The longer they are left unattended, they become increasingly expensive to manage. Although some State resources are available, they are spread across many agencies. Small municipalities like Lynnfield find it difficult to locate and secure these resources. This bill would coordinate the State's existing invasive species resources into one office and create a grant program for municipalities and non-profit organizations to do invasive species prevention, outreach, and eradication work.
With help from Representative Brad Jones’ office, Director Emilie Cademartori has supported this bill.
“At present, our most critical concern is the growing infestation of the invasive Phragmites australis which is encroaching on the fresh water native reed habitat in Reedy Meadow. Reedy Meadow is a 560-acre freshwater body straddling the Wakefield/Lynnfield border, but primarily located in Lynnfield. It has been designated as one of only 11 U.S. Park Service’s National Natural Landmarks in Massachusetts and is home to a number of endangered and rare migratory bird species.
In recent months we have been researching any existing Phragmites eradication and restoration programs but have found that such programs are either too limited in scope or funding, or tend to focus on tidal marshes rather than on freshwater bodies. Further, acquisition of the specific equipment, and employment of current methodology for Phragmites eradication is well beyond the budgetary capabilities of our Town. The availability of a centralized database of program information, resources and technical assistance would greatly benefit our efforts to address our Phragmites infestation problem.”
Not unusual for new bills, this bill was not considered before the end of the 2022-2023 legislative session. It will be refiled by Mass Rivers Alliance for the upcoming 2023-2024 session by the January 20, 2023 refiling deadline.